Harvey Weinstein Expelled From The Academy Of Motion Pictures Arts And Sciences

Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein has been expelled from the Academy Of Motion Pictures Arts And Sciences after being accused of sexual harassment and sexual assault by multiple women according to NPR. (photo credit: Youtube)

Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein has been expelled from the Academy Of Motion Pictures Arts And Sciences after being accused of sexual harassment and sexual assault by multiple women according to NPR.

"The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors met today to discuss the allegations against Harvey Weinstein, and has voted well in excess of the required two-thirds majority to immediately expel him from the Academy. We do so not simply to separate ourselves from someone who does not merit the respect of his colleagues but also to send a message that the era of willful ignorance and shameful complicity in sexually predatory behavior and workplace harassment in our industry is over. What's at issue here is a deeply troubling problem that has no place in our society. The Board continues to work to establish ethical standards of conduct that all Academy members will be expected to exemplify."

This symbolic punishment is a harsh rebuke to a man whose professional life had been dedicated to the film industry. This action signals that Weinstein is now a persona non grata within the film industry.

This is an exceedingly rare move for the organization, which was founded 90 years ago by studio executive Louis B. Mayer. Losing one's status within the academy is a symbolic shunning by the Hollywood establishment, with real consequences for the disgraced producer. Weinstein will no longer even be able to vote in the award ceremonies that his films have dominated for years.